A: Tidal Grow® Spectra is a bioactive fungicide, bactericide, and nematicide - or a biopesticide - that aids in the control of agricultural diseases and pests while boosting plant vigor. It activates the crop’s natural immune system and provides direct control of pathogenic nematodes and microbes through innovative mechanisms.

A: Tidal Grow® Spectra utilizes chitosan, a naturally occurring active ingredient that is upcycled from seafood byproducts. Chitosan is a natural compound derived from chitin and is used across multiple industries beyond agriculture. Not all chitosan is created equal, and if not formulated properly, the desired outcome of deterring pests and pathogens can actually promote the opposite. Simply using any chitosan-based product will not produce the same results.

A: Chitosan is a natural compound derived from chitin. Chitin is a structural component in the shells of crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin, making it much more soluble and extremely useful in agriculture as a biopesticide and soil enhancer that improves plant health and boosts crop yields when formulated properly.

A: Tidal Grow Agriscience is the agricultural division of Tidal Vision, the global leader in scalable chitosan solutions. We manufacture precision chitosan formulations using a proprietary zero-waste extraction process, sourcing our seafood materials from the US.

A: The elicitor effect is a signaling mechanism whereby substances like chitosan help plants kick their defense systems into gear. Chitosan prompts crops to produce protective compounds and enzymes, boosting their immune response and making them better at fighting off diseases and pests.

A: Tidal Grow® Spectra is derived from crustaceans and may contain trace amounts of allergens < 1ppm.

A: The REI (Restricted Entry Interval) and PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval) for Tidal Grow® Spectra are both 0 days. EPA has deemed Tidal Grow® Spectra exempt from restrictions on re-entry after application or waiting periods before harvest.

A: Tidal Grow® Spectra works in many ways because its active ingredient, chitosan, is multimodal, meaning it activates the plant’s immune system while also directly combating pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. For example, it boosts the production of chitinase, which breaks down chitin in pests, making it harder for them to damage your crops. Additionally, by stimulating the immune system, Tidal Grow® Spectra enhances nutrient uptake, helping to get more NPK into your crops for better growth.

A: To mix Tidal Grow® Spectra with other inputs, first reduce the pH of your mix water to around pH 5 and follow the WALES/DALES method: add half the water, then water conditioners, followed by dry products, continuous agitation, liquids, emulsifiable concentrates, and finally surfactants. For specific products like copper fungicides, adjust the pH accordingly to prevent phytotoxicity. If your first jar test fails, try changing up the order of input mixing.

A: Most fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and nutrition products are compatible with Tidal Grow® Spectra. However, polyphosphate-based fertilizers like 10-34-0 and 11-37-0 should not be mixed with Tidal Grow® Spectra. Other phosphate fertilizers are acceptable. If you have specific compatibility questions or encounter new incompatibilities, please reach out to our staff for assistance. Regardless, we always recommend conducting a jar test before mixing with our crop inputs.